The changing seasons bring cooler winds and unpredicted rain. It's a tough time to keep the ideal temperature on the bike...too much and you're roasting after 15 minutes, too little and you're cursing cold. Keep it even with Pearl Izumi's Elite Barrier Vest. It provides Pearl's Elite Barrier fabric for excellent wind/rain resistance, but features a full zip and Direct-Vent panels so once the heat is on, the only thing too hot is your performance. And of course comfort and safety are key; that's why the tapered collar and elastic hem keeps this vest where you want it, and reflective elements keep you visible.

Good extra layer over torso for cold days that may warm up. Mesh back allows heat & sweat to escape. Soft, high neck for a good wind seal. A little noisy over the shoulders in the wind. Good kit otherwise.

If the fit weren't so baggy I would only complain that this vest is much heavier than average, but that could lead to durability. As it is, I'm no skinny climber at 5'8" and 180 lbs. (yes I'm fat) but the medium left a lot of room for me to grow even more of a beer belly.